250 extra taxis for peak periods in NSW

PEOPLE will find it easier to get a cab home from work or after a few drinks, with an extra 250 taxis to trawl the streets of NSW from midday until 5am.

More peak period taxi licences but less overall licences will be issued under the annual determination by Transport for NSW announced on Thursday.

From July 1, there will be an extra 250 peak period licences that can only be used during the busiest periods between 12 noon and 5am.

There will be 96 replacement licences, including 30 for peak periods, and 65 licences for all day and night with one fringe area licence for use around Richmond and Windsor.

NSW Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian says the new arrangement seeks to give customers what they need.

"The decision aims to balance the needs of customers - who tell us they want more taxis in the afternoon and nights, especially on weekends - and taxi drivers, who are doing their best to make an income and support their families," she said in a statement on Thursday.

Ms Berejiklian said releasing peak period licences, which are more affordable than unrestricted licences, would result in more taxis on the road at the times most difficult to find one.

"It also means there'll be more taxis on the road at 3pm, the traditional changeover time," she added.

The determination by Transport for NSW includes more peak period taxi licences, but less overall licences than recommended by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal in order to balance the needs of customers and drivers.

Ms Berejiklian said the government was also rolling out secure taxi ranks and trialling prepaid fares at Kings Cross, and reviewing the specifications for security cameras in taxis.